Pocket CV: Hobbies and interests sections.

06. What about additional sections, such as hobbies and interests?

Do hiring managers really care about what you do on weekends? Not really, but they do care about your language proficiency, and even this has its limitations. “Applicants should add languages, but only those that they are fluent in or have working proficiency,” states Tijana. Perhaps it’s worth skipping over that language you took up in secondary school and dropped a year later.

When it comes to skills and hobbies, the consensus is less agreed upon between recruiters. “Essentially, there’s no right or wrong answer,” Darshinee begins, “Some recruiters appreciate the extra detail, whilst others prefer to keep a CV strictly professional.”

She went on to clearly express, “What you don’t want to do, though, is put a section altogether just for random hobbies.” Including hobbies are more appropriate for applicants who are still in education, lack experience, or applying for roles that are directly relevant to their hobbies.

If you choose to include these, place them in an area of your CV that is not given much prominence, such as on the side or at the end of your CV.

Essentially, there’s no right or wrong answer... Some recruiters appreciate the extra detail, whilst others prefer to keep a CV strictly professional.